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Jason’s Story

My name is Jason Bagg, and I’m currently working as a Technical Sales & Project Engineer at Bradbury Group, whilst studying a Level 3 NVQ Apprenticeship in Technical Support. I began my training on the HETA apprenticeship scheme in 2015, and in 2016 I accepted a placement with Bradbury Group, where I will complete my qualifications.

I first learned about apprenticeships when the Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA) visited my school. For a while, I’d considered going to college to study A-levels, but I knew that an apprenticeship would be better suited to me, as I’d always loved engineering and wanted to pursue a career in design. I also liked the fact that you could get paid and learn at the same time! I applied after completing my GCSEs, and, luckily, I was accepted on to the scheme.

As an apprentice, I have been able to gain a lot of hands-on experience right from the start. In the first year of my apprenticeship, HETA provided me with practical experience in pneumatics and hydraulics and also taught me how to tap steel. I have to say that the training I received from HETA has been practical and insightful, and they even continue to provide me with support since I moved on to my placement.

Upon completing the first year with HETA, we had to find an employer to take us on to complete the final two years in a workplace. My first choice was Bradbury Group, and following the interview process, I was successful in gaining a place at the company. My daily responsibilities include project coordination and sales, creating technical drawings, designing renders for customers and the marketing department, and coming up with innovative ideas and solutions for products.

I would say the best part of doing an apprenticeship is the fact that it’s a learning experience in a real-life workplace, and I like that I am trusted with key accounts and significant products. I have a very versatile job role, and really like doing design work. I also enjoy getting to see a lot of my ideas being implemented, and things I’ve designed being engineered into products. Before starting my apprenticeship, my career aspiration was to work in mechanical engineering — perhaps pneumatics or hydraulics. However, now I’d like to progress in my role in the technical and export department at Bradbury Group.

To anyone considering doing an apprenticeship, I’d say go for it! I’m so pleased I chose to do this over going to college or university, as it gives me a chance to do practical work as I learn. While I was fortunate enough to attain my dream placement right away, I’d still recommend trying to get an apprenticeship when you can; if at first you don’t succeed, push on and keep trying, as it’s all worth it, in the end.